ACE3049 : Companion Animal Behaviour

Semesters

Semester 2 Credit Value:

10

ECTS Credits:

5.0

Aims

The module is designed to develop an understanding of the general principles of domestic animal behaviour. We use illustrations from comparative companion animal behaviour, relating this to physiological processes and applying this to the context of our companion animals. We explore the influence of human interaction on companion animal behaviour and the natural behaviour of the species. The module is joint taught with livestock (farm) animal behaviour for the first part of the module and then splits to focus on the behavioural problems that arise in companion animals and solutions developed to overcome these. While we predominantly use examples from dogs, horses and cats as companion animals, students are welcome to include more exotic companion animals of interest. The assessed group presentation is on the social behaviour of an animal of the students’ choice.

Outline Of Syllabus

The influence on behaviour of domestication of animals
Acquisition of behaviour, learning
Genetics of behaviour
Ingestive and eliminative behaviours
Sexual and reproductive behaviour
Maternal behaviour and dam-offspring bonding
Animal communication
Social behaviour and organisation (dominance/grouping/spatial relationships)
Individual differences in animals
Behaviour and the diagnosis of animal welfare
Behavioural problems in horses and companion animals

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Category

Activity

Number

Length

Student Hours

Comment

Guided Independent Study

Assessment preparation and completion

1

3:00

3:00

Preparation for group oral presentation (20 minute talk)

Guided Independent Study

Assessment preparation and completion

1

2:00

2:00

Semester 2 examination

Guided Independent Study

Assessment preparation and completion

20

1:00

20:00

Revision for Semester 2 examination

Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities

Lecture

20

1:00

20:00

N/A

Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities

Small group teaching

2

2:00

4:00

Seminar with assessed group oral presentations

Guided Independent Study

Student-led group activity

1

15:00

15:00

Research for seminar presentation topic

Guided Independent Study

Independent study

1

20:00

20:00

Follow up of lecture notes, compilation and background reading

Guided Independent Study

Independent study

1

16:00

16:00

General reading and research on module topics beyond taught material

Total

100:00

Jointly Taught With

Code

Title

ACE3048

Livestock Behaviour

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and guided independent reading provide knowledge on the genetic and environmental determinants of animal behaviour in different companion animal species, using videos of behaviour to illustrate particular points. This knowledge is then developed to provide understanding of the causes of abnormal behaviour, using case studies in different species to illustrate remedial strategies. It is intended that preparation for the oral presentations will encourage deep learning, as well as skills in acquiring and presenting information.

Exam Pairings

Module Code

Module Title

Semester

Comment

ACE3048

Livestock Behaviour

2

N/A

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Formal written examination tests knowledge and understanding of the expression of normal and abnormal behaviours in companion animals, their physiological and environmental determinants and the ways in which they can be modified by human intervention. Oral presentations additionally test skills in information sourcing and integration, oral communication, teamwork and planning and organising.